Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an applicator ( 2 ) for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member ( 8 ) having:—a core ( 10 ) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X) and has two opposite longitudinal grooves that turn around said longitudinal axis (X) as they extend along the latter, and—spikes ( 18 ) carried by the core ( 10 ).

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara.

The invention also relates to devices having a container which contains the product to be applied and is provided with a wiping member, and the applicator.

An applicator in which the core has a furrow with a V-shaped profile is known from Application FR 2 918 547.

Application WO 2009/141098 describes an applicator having annular application surfaces that are disposed on a core so as to form a helix.

There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product, in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, in order to improve the performance thereof, and more particularly to promote the creation on the applicator member of zones that are more heavily laden with product, which allow easy application of makeup and rapid and abundant loading of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, while maintaining an applicator that is easy to manufacture.

The invention aims to meet this objective and the subject thereof, according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member having:

-   -   a core that extends along a longitudinal axis and has two         opposite longitudinal grooves that turn around said longitudinal         axis as they extend along the latter, and     -   spikes carried by the core.

The invention makes it possible to obtain, on the applicator member, in particular along the grooves, at least one zone that forms a reservoir, the contents of said zone not emptied during the extraction of the applicator, thus providing a surplus of product along the entire length of the core and on all sides after wiping. This surplus of product allows the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to be loaded with a large and satisfactory amount of product from the first application.

The disposition of the grooves forms a twist around the core. The applicator according to the invention is easy to manufacture, since it is moulded, and its core reproduces the appearance of that of a twisted brush having metal strands. In the invention, the strands formed by moulding turn around one another and form opposite grooves. The invention makes it possible to create, if desired, an arrangement of bristles that is different from known applicators. During application of makeup, the grooves are emptied gradually of their contents, in particular by virtue of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows penetrating into them. The latter are thus properly covered with product without the user having to frequently reload the applicator by reintroducing it into the container.

The shape and disposition of the spikes and the grooves can be chosen depending on the desired makeup effect.

The depth of the grooves can be varied in order to adjust the level to which the applicator is loaded with product after wiping.

The expression “longitudinal axis of the core” denotes the line connecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of the core. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for the core, in particular when the core has a circular cross section or a cross section in the overall shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axis of the core may be rectilinear or curved and may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some, or even for all of the cross sections of the core. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is rectilinear.

The term “spike” denotes an individualizable projecting element intended to come into engagement with the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

Core and Grooves Preferably, each groove is continuous along the longitudinal axis of the core, not being interrupted along its entire length. In one variant, at least one groove is interrupted along a part of its length.

It is possible for the applicator member not to have any grooves along a part of its length. Nevertheless, preferably, each groove extends substantially along the entire length of the part of the core which carries the spikes, extending in particular from the proximal end of the core to its distal end.

Each groove may extend through less than one complete turn around the longitudinal axis of the core. However, preferably, each groove extends through more than one complete turn around the longitudinal axis of the core, executing for example a little more than two complete revolutions around the core.

Each groove preferably turns in the same direction around the longitudinal axis of the core, for example in the clockwise direction when the core is viewed from its proximal end to its distal end.

The opposite grooves are preferably diametrically opposite, at each point along the length of the core, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core. They can be symmetrical to one another, in cross section, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

The core advantageously has a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, in the overall shape of an “8”.

The grooves of the core may extend helically around the longitudinal axis of the core. The expression “extend helically” should be understood as meaning that the grooves follow the path of a helix around the longitudinal axis of the core.

The grooves preferably each have a constant helical pitch along the longitudinal axis of the core. The opposite grooves advantageously have the same helical pitch.

The helix angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core may be between 30° and 60°. The angle is preferably constant for the entire helix.

In one variant, at least one groove of the core has a variable helical pitch along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The depth of the grooves may be between 0.075 mm and 1 mm, better still between 0.1 mm and 0.9 mm. The expression “depth of a groove” denotes the distance, measured in a cross-sectional plane, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core between the bottom of the groove and a line tangent to the core and resting on the latter on either side of the groove.

The depth of the grooves of the core is advantageously constant along their entire length. In one variant, the depth of at least one groove of the core is variable along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The width of the grooves half-way down their depth may be between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, better still between 0.15 mm and 0.8 mm.

Spikes

The core and the spikes may be moulded from one and the same material, or in a variant they can be made from at least two different materials.

The core and/or the spikes are preferably produced from a thermoplastic material.

In some embodiments of the invention, the spikes are produced by overmoulding on the core.

The spikes are advantageously disposed on the applicator member in a plurality of rectilinear longitudinal rows. The spikes can also be disposed in circumferential rows, referred to as crowns of spikes, that are each formed by spikes that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis of the core.

The implantation of the spikes may be such that the angle α₁ around the longitudinal axis of the core between two consecutive crowns of spikes is non-zero, being preferably equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in a crown.

In one variant, two consecutive first crowns of spikes along the longitudinal axis of the core are identical, the two following consecutive crowns being offset angularly by one and the same non-zero angle α₂ with respect to said first crowns, preferably equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes of a crown. The angle α₂ is preferably equal to the angle α₁.

The spikes can be situated either in the grooves or outside the grooves of the core, and can follow or not follow the apparent movement of the core that is obtained by virtue of the grooves.

At least one spike may extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spike is attached to the core. Preferably, the spikes each extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

In a variant, the elongation axis of the spikes forms an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core. The expression “elongation axis of the spike” denotes an axis which passes through the centres of mass of the cross sections of the spike.

The height of at least one spike, measured from the core, may be between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, or even between 0.75 mm and 2 mm. The expression “height of a spike” denotes the distance measured along the elongation axis of the spike between its free end and its base by way of which it is connected to the core.

Preferably, the height of the spikes varies, for example in a monotonous manner, along the longitudinal axis of the core. In one variant, the height of the spikes is constant along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The spikes may have a flattened cross section, that is to say that they have, over at least a part of their height, a cross section, measured perpendicularly to their direction of elongation, which has an elongate shape in a flattening plane, that is to say is wider than it is thick. The flattening plane of the spikes may form an angle of between 60° and 120° with the longitudinal axis of the core, being preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. In one variant, the flattening plane of the spikes forms a zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the core.

Some spikes on the applicator, or even all of the spikes, may have a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 0.85 mm, or even between 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm. The expression “thickness of a spike” denotes the largest transverse dimension of the spike, in section, perpendicularly to the elongation axis of the spike. This largest transverse dimension is in particular a diameter when the spike has a circular or semi-circular cross section.

The spikes may have any shape. The spikes may have a cylindrical or tapered, in particular conical, semi-conical, frustoconical or pyramidal shape, in particular with a hexagonal base. The spikes preferably have an asymmetric shape, each having a first face that has a first, in particular flat, shape, and a second face that has a second, for example non-flat, in particular rounded, shape. In one variant, the spikes have, in front view, an asymmetric shape and an outwardly convex edge, and narrow over at least a part of their height away from the core and have a width that decreases towards said convex edge.

The cross section of the spikes may have a substantially semi-circular shape, referred to as a half moon, or semi-elliptical shape, or may also be, for example, hexagonal.

At least one spike may end with a rounded, in particular hemispherical, free end.

The spikes may differ from one another by way of at least one of their shape, thickness, height, orientation, colour and/or material.

The free ends of the spikes of the applicator member define an envelope surface of the applicator member, which is for example in the form of a cylinder of revolution along at least a part of its length and which may have various shapes, with a rectilinear or non-rectilinear longitudinal axis. The envelope surface of the applicator member is advantageously rotationally symmetrical around the longitudinal axis of the core, having in particular the overall shape of a peanut.

The envelope surface may have a largest transverse dimension that is substantially constant along at least a part of the length of the applicator member, in particular along more than half the part of the core that carries the spikes.

The envelope surface may also have a cross section that varies along all or part of the length of the applicator member. The cross section of the envelope surface may for example have one or more extremes and for example at least one local minimum and two local maxima. The cross section of the envelope surface has for example, in particular in the case in which the envelope surface has the overall shape of a peanut, a local minimum at a point corresponding more or less to the middle of the visible length of the applicator member.

Applicator

According to an embodiment of the invention, the applicator member is moulded within a mould formed by the assembly of a plurality of shells.

The applicator may have a stem that carries the applicator member at a first end and is fixed to a gripping member at a second end.

The core may be solid, being for example moulded with an end piece for fixing to the stem of the applicator.

The applicator member may be fixed to the stem by snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, crimping, pressing, stapling, force-fitting, fitting in a cold state or fitting in a hot state, for example by being mounted in a housing in the stem. In a variant, the stem may be received in a housing provided in the core.

It is also possible for the stem and the applicator member to be moulded or not to be moulded in one piece and from the same thermoplastic material.

The spikes may be made of a material that is more or less rigid than a material used to produce the stem of the applicator to which the core is attached.

The applicator member may have a mounting end piece that is moulded in one piece with the core and may have, if appropriate, one or more narrowed portions that improve the flexibility of the applicator and the smoothness of application.

The core may extend along a longitudinal axis which, at at least one point along its length, forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the stem to which the core is fixed. The applicator member may be angled at its attachment to the stem.

The stem may have a first, rigid portion that is extended on the distal side by a second, more flexible portion, for example made of elastomer, that carries the applicator member.

The applicator may have between 60 and 680 spikes, for example between 80 and 480 spikes.

The visible length of the applicator member may be between 9 mm and 35 mm, better still between 15 mm and 27 mm.

Application device A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator as defined above and a container containing the product.

The gripping member of the applicator may form a cap for closing the container.

The container may have a wiping member suitable for wiping the stem and the applicator member.

The product is preferably a mascara.

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the applicator member from FIG. 1 on its own,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the core of the applicator member from FIG. 2, on its own,

FIG. 4 is a front view of the applicator member from FIG. 2, and

FIG. 5 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordance with the invention, having an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product.

The container 3 has, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 has a closure cap 5 designed to be fixed on the neck 4 so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap 5 also forming a gripping member for the applicator 2.

The applicator 2 has a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is attached at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an applicator member 8. The latter has a core 10 that carries spikes 18 that extend from the core 10 and all around the latter.

The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, for example inserted into the neck 4.

This wiping member 6, which may be any wiping member, has, in the example in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem 7 and the applicator member 8 when the applicator 2 is withdrawn from the container 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6 a having a diameter adapted to that of the stem.

The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer.

The wiping member 6 may have a wiping orifice 6 a with a circular shape, optionally with slots.

The diameter of the wiping orifice 6 a of the wiping member 6 is for example between 2.5 and 6 mm, being for example around 3.5 mm or 5 mm.

The wiping member 6 may optionally have undulations, allowing the wiping orifice to widen more easily when the applicator member 8 passes through.

The wiping member may also be adjustable, if appropriate.

In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but if the stem 7 has some other section, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention, it then being possible to fix the cap 5 on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of the applicator member 8, if appropriate.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Y of the stern 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but if the stern 7 is not rectilinear, forming for example an elbow, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

If need be, the stem 7 may have an annular narrowing at its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, so as not to mechanically stress the latter unduly during storage.

The stem 7, to which the applicator member 8 is fixed, may be at least partially, and in particular completely, flexible, in particular in the vicinity of the applicator member.

The applicator member 8 may be fixed to the stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing provided at the end of the stem 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 may have an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing in the stem 7.

With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the core 10 has a shape that is elongate along a longitudinal axis X, which is rectilinear in the example described. The longitudinal axis X may be central, as illustrated.

The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for example between 15 mm and 27 mm.

In the examples shown, the spikes 18 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spike 18 is attached to the core 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the core 10 has two diametrically opposite longitudinal grooves 13 and 14 that turn around its longitudinal axis X as they extend along the latter and that extend along longitudinal axes T₁ and T₂, respectively.

In the example described, the grooves 13 and 14 extend helically around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, along the entire length of the core 10.

In the examples shown, the grooves 13 and 14 each have a right-handed helical pitch that is constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, and have the same helical pitch.

The angle γ between the longitudinal axis of a groove 13 or 14 and the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 is preferably the same for each groove. This angle γ may be between 30° and 60°, being equal to 45° in the examples in question.

The grooves 13 and 14 are continuous, not being interrupted along their entire length. In one variant (not shown), at least one groove 13 or 14 is interrupted along a part of its length.

In the examples shown, the grooves 13 and 14 extend through a little more than two complete revolutions about the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, from its proximal end 11 to its distal end 12.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the core 10 has a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis X, in the overall shape of an “8”.

In the examples in FIGS. 2 and 5, the depth h_(n) of the grooves 13 and 14 is constant along their entire length, and the grooves 13 and 14 have the same depth at each point on the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The depth h_(n) of the grooves 13 and 14 is for example between 0.1 mm and 0.9 mm.

In the examples in FIGS. 2 and 5, the width of the grooves 13 and 14 is constant and the grooves 13 and 14 have the same width at each point on the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The width l of the grooves 13 and 14, half-way down their depth, is for example between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm.

In the examples described, the spikes 18 are disposed on the applicator member 8 in a plurality of rectilinear longitudinal rows 17, 19, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the implantation of the spikes 18 may be such that the angle α₁ around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 between two consecutive crowns 20 and 21 of spikes 18, said crowns each being formed by spikes 18 that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is non-zero, being for example equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in a crown.

In one variant, shown in FIG. 5, two consecutive first crowns 23, 24 of spikes 18 along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 are identical, the two following consecutive crowns 25, 26 being offset angularly by one and the same non-zero angle α₂ with respect to said first crowns 23, 24, preferably equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes 18 of a crown. In the example described, the angle α₂ is equal to the angle α₁.

In the examples in question, the spikes 18 have a cross section flattened along a flattening plane Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The spikes 18 may also narrow, in side view, in the direction of their free end 28, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 4. The spikes 18 may also narrow in the direction of their free end 28, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2 and 5.

As illustrated, the height h_(p) of the spikes 18 may vary along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The height of the spikes 18 may decrease towards the distal end 12 of the core 10, so as to facilitate insertion into the container 3. The height of the spikes 18 may also decrease towards the stem 7, so as to make it easier for the applicator member 8 to pass the wiping member 6 while the applicator 2 is being withdrawn from the container 3.

The height h_(p) of the spikes 18 is for example between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

The width l_(p) of a spike 18, in front view, may be less than or equal to 0.85 mm., better still less than or equal to 0.7 mm.

The thickness e_(p) of the spikes 18 is for example between 0.3 mm and 0.85 mm.

The spikes 18 may have various shapes. In the examples in question, and as can be seen in particular in FIG. 4, the spikes 18 have a semi-conical shape, each having a first face 18 a that has a flat shape, and a second face 18 b that has a rounded shape. The spikes 18 are also terminated by a hemispherical free end 28. However, the invention is not limited to one particular shape of spikes.

In the examples in question, the free ends 28 of the spikes 18 define an envelope surface S of the applicator member 8, having a rectilinear longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is rotationally symmetrical around said axis X and has in particular the shape of a peanut, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 5.

In the examples illustrated, the envelope surface S has a cross section that varies along the entire length of the applicator member 8, having in particular a local minimum at a point corresponding approximately to the middle of the visible length H of the applicator member 8.

The spikes 18 are made, in the examples in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding thermoplastic material.

In order to mould the applicator member 8, use can be made of any thermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid, for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved slip, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyamide elastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, SAM, PA or PMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example based on alumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, and possibly a material containing graphite as filler. It is possible in particular to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, this list not being limiting.

In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 and withdraws the applicator member 8 from the container 3. Once the applicator member 8 has passed through the wiping member 6, a particular quantity of product P remains in the grooves 13 and 14, creating reservoirs of product along the entire length of the core 10 and on all sides, making it possible to load the eyelashes and/or eyebrows with product P in a satisfactory manner.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described, the characteristics of which may be combined with one another as parts of variants which are not illustrated.

The applicator member 8 may be able to vibrate, that is to say that it is possible to apply vibrations thereto during application, combing or picking up of the product P, for example as described in the application WO 2006/090343.

In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be able to rotate, that is to say that it may be made to carry out a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, for example during application, combing or picking up of the product P.

In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be heated, that is to say have a heating element for heating the keratin fibres, the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or the spikes 18 and/or the core 10 of the applicator member 8.

It is also possible for the applicator member 8 to be able to vibrate, to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only to be able to vibrate and to be able to rotate, or only to be able to vibrate and to be heated, or only to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only to be able to vibrate or only to be able to rotate or only to be heated.

The applicator member 8 may comprise any bactericidal agent such as silver salts, copper salts, preservatives and at least one preservative for the product P.

The core 10 and/or the spikes 18 may, furthermore, comprise particles, for example a filler, in particular a compound which is magnetic, bacteriostatic or absorbs moisture, or else a compound intended to produce roughness on the surface of the spikes 18 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the spikes. At least one of the core 10 and a spike 18 may be flocked, receive any heat or mechanical treatment, and/or comprise particles, for example a filler, in order in particular to improve the sliding of the applicator member on the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

The expression “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”, and “between” is understood as including the limits, unless specified to the contrary. 

1. Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member having: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis and has two opposite longitudinal grooves that turn around said longitudinal axis as they extend along the latter, and spikes carried by the core.
 2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the grooves of the core extend helically around the longitudinal axis of the core.
 3. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the grooves of the core each have a constant helical pitch along the longitudinal axis of the core.
 4. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the grooves of the core have the same helical pitch.
 5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the grooves of the core are continuous along the longitudinal axis of the core, extending in particular from the proximal end of the core to its distal end.
 6. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the grooves are diametrically opposite.
 7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a cross section in the overall shape of an “8”.
 8. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the depth (h_(n)) of the grooves of the core is constant along their entire length.
 9. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the spikes are disposed in a plurality of rectilinear longitudinal rows.
 10. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the spikes have a first face that has a first, in particular flat, shape, and a second face that has a second, in particular rounded, shape.
 11. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the spikes are disposed along crowns of spikes, two consecutive crowns along the longitudinal axis of the core being offset angularly by a non-zero angle, in particular equal to half the angular pitch between the spikes of a crown.
 12. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the spikes are disposed along crowns of spikes, two consecutive first crowns along the longitudinal axis of the core being identical, the two following consecutive crowns being offset angularly by one and the same non-zero angle with respect to said first crowns.
 13. Device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 1 and a container, containing the product and having a wiping member. 